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Create balance in your body as the season changes…

March 28, 2018, Author: Hello Joburg

We can feel the chill in the air lately, and of course that means that autumn is on its way and followed shortly by that, winter. As the days get shorter and the air drier, many people tend to get sick or feel symptoms of flu.

Ayurveda (an ancient science based on elemental principles that pertain to life on earth) recognizes that the elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth are the building blocks of the natural world. These elements pair up in different combinations to create different feelings and energies – and as the carefree, light energy of summer disperses and gives way to the heavier energy of the colder months, one can often feel a bit displaced.

Ayurveda believes that the external environment changes can lead to the same or similar changes in your internal environment – so for example when the leaves turn dry, skin can also become dry, when the days get shorter people’s attention spans tend to get shorter, windy days can sometimes reflect in windy bowels – and crackly leaves can be seen around the time that we feel our joints getting crackly.

So by that token, watching Mother Nature will give you an idea of what to expect from your own body, and the disorders that are common at this time of year.

Applying the Ayurvedic principle that opposite actions create balance, you can maintain balance during the whirlwind season by emphasizing lifestyle and food choices that are grounding, stabilizing, warming, moisturizing and softening.

Okay – all well and good, but how do we do that? Herewith some tips and suggestions to get you grounded in time for winter.

Regular routines

Try and stick to scheduled times for self-care, meals and sleep – balance activity with plenty of downtime too.

Do try to include healthy fats in your diet, such as ghee and sesame oil .

Physical activity

It is important to keep active during the colder months too – and taking on activities such as hatha yoga that restores energy and helps you to regulate your breathing. Deep relaxation and meditation are also important and will leave you feeling more grounded and able to handle whatever life may choose to throw at you.

Keep the kettle on the boil

Sip plenty of warm beverages throughout the day: herbal teas and water with lemon & fresh ginger, to get your digestive system working and keep you hydrated too!

Comfy clothing

Wear clothing that is soft and warm – choose red, orange and yellow colors especially. Wear clothes or accessories that help to keep your head and neck warm – protect your ears.

Hello Joburg was first published in April 1980 as a monthly restaurant and entertainment magazine. Over the years we have developed a network of patriotic Joburgers that love nothing more than sharing their experiences in this beautiful city!